Mechanism for operating draft-controlling means and other devices.



- F. J. WOLF. mncmmsm FOR OPERATING DRAFT oomnoume MEANS AND OTHER muons. APPLICATION FILED 3111.31, 1908. 935 719; Patented 0ct.5, 1909.

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0 o v Snow [tote P. J. WOLF.

MECHANISM FOR OPERATING DRAFT CONTROLLING MEANS AND OTHER DEVICES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 31, 1908.

Patented Oct. 5, 1909.

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, wuentoz attozmu of New One of th practicable", 'tuating device or member can be employed,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK J. WOLF, OF BROQKLYN, NEW YORK.

MEGHANTSM FOR OPERATING DRAFT-CONTROLLING MEANS AND OTHER DEVICES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed January 31, 1908. Serial No. 413,714.

Toall whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK J. WOLF, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State York, have invented a new and useful Mechanism for Operating Draft-Controllin Means and other Devices, of which the fol owing is a specification.

. The present invention relates to means for automatically effecting the operation of various devices and for the purposes'of illustration, the'present embodiment is disclosed in connection with draft regulating mechanism, to which it is particularly adapted, but

to which itfisnot necessarily limited.

"e principal objects of the present invention as; to provide novel, simple and means in which a powerful acand to provide mechanism whereby the ormember can be efl'ectively-i-controlled by a comparatively weak force}.

The preferredembodiment of construction is, illustrated, in the accompanying I drawings wherein 'i Fig. .3 is a detail preferably of sheet metal, is

-' memberis employed in the form of vFigure lisa front elevation. of a heating furnace, showing the mechanism connected to the draft-controlling means for a furnace. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the mechanism on a slightly enlarged scale, illustrating the parts when. thei same are being operated.

perspective view of the actuating member. Fig. 4 is a detail view of anadditionabweight that may be applied thereto. Fig. 5 is a sectional View substantially on the line, 55 of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a detail view; ofa portion of the clock mechanism, showing the circuit closer of the same.

Flg. '7 is addiagr am matic view illustrating the circuit.

Similar reference numerals designate corresponding parts in all the'figures of the drawings.

In the embodiment disclosed, a base plate 8, employed that has a depending extension 9. 8 preferably constitutes the .rear wall of a casing 10, in which the greater portion of the mechanism is located. An actuating a vertically reciprocatory slide rod 11, guided in suitable bearings 12' mounted on the base plate Sand its extension 9 and having a weight 13 fastened thereto. The weight, as

' shown, is provided on its top with lugs 14,

upper end of the arm 25 The base plate may be varied as found necessary or convenient. This weight member is movable downwardly from a, set position, and is returnable to said set position. The slide rod 11 thereof carries a dog 18 pivoted thereto, as shown at 19, the upward movement of said dog being limited by a pin 20 against which it is yieldingly held by a spring 21. This dog, when the actuating member is in its set position, engages over the horizontal arm 22 of a locking device 23 that is in the form of a bell crank, pivoted as shOWn at 24 on the base plate 8, and having an upstanding arm 25. A spring 26, shown in Fig. 5, that surrounds the pivot 24, has one end engaged, as shown at 27 in the base plate, the other end being engaged, as shown at 28 in the locking device. actuating member when it moves downwardly, will swing the locking device 23 until'th'e dog 18 disengages from the arm 22, whereupon the spring 26 will immediately return said locking device to its normal position; When the actuating member is moved upwardl the dog 18 will swing downwardly so that it will readily pass the arm 22.

In order to hold the locking device 23 and consequently the actuating member against movement,.a latch is employed comprising a head 29 and a lever arm 30, the head being pivoted as shown at 31 to the base plate and having a seat or shoulder 32 in WhlCh the engages. It Wlll be noted, however, that the seat or shoulder 32 is located below the pivot 31. Therefore if the latch 29--30 is free, the actuating member will move downwardly because the pressure brought against the locking device 23, will cause the latch to swing untll the arm 25 disengages from said seat or shoulder. Controlling means is therefore employed for the latch. As shown, this controlling means consists of a vertically re'ciprocatory slide 33 engaged with the free end of the lever arm 30 and operating in .a guldeway 34 secured to the base. The slide 33 has on one side a shoulder 35, beneath which engages a shoulder 36 carried by a swinging armature bar 37. The armature bar is pivoted at its upper end, as shown at 38, and a It will be evident therefore that the spring 39 bears against its lower end to hold the shoulder 36 beneath the shoulder 35. The armature 37 is in'coaction with an electro-magnet 40, suitabl secured to the base plate. Consequently 1t will be evident that if the electro-magnet is energized, the armature 37 will be drawn toward the same, thus carrying the shoulder 36 out of the path of movement of the slide 35. The slide thereupon moves downwardly so that the latch 2930 can turn, releasing the locking device, which in turn, will permit the actuating member to move downwardly. As already stated, the locking device immediately returns to its normal position, but the latch remains in an inoperative position, as will be evident by reference to Fig. 2. In order to effect the movement of the latch to its interlocking engagement with the looking device, a swinging arm 41, pivoted at one end, as shown at 42, has a link connection 43 with the lever arm 30. This arm 41 extends into the path of movement of a shoulder 44 formed upon the slide rod 11 of the actuating member. 'Therefore when said actuating member is elevated, the shoulder 44 engaglng the free end of the arm 41,

swings said arm upwardly which in turn swings the latch until the shoulder 32 thereof is engaged with the upper end of the arm. To do this,.the dog 18 moves a slight distance above the arm 22 so that when the actuating member moves downwardly until the dog 18 rests u on the arm 22, the shoulder 44 will be su ciently lowered to permit the arm 41 to drop downwardly, when the latch is free. The return movement of the latch elevates the slide 33, carrying the shoulder 35 above the shoulder 36.

Mounted on the casing 10 is a pair of binding posts 45. One of these binding posts has an electrical connection 46 with the electro-magnet, the other binding post, as shown at 47, is grounded on the base plate 8. Consequently the slide 33 will be in ele6- trical communication with said binding post. This slide has its upper end notched, as shown at 48, and is movable into and out of engagement with a spring 49 carried on an insulator block 50 secured to the base plate 8. The spring 49 is electrically connected, as shown. at 51 to the electro-magnet. It will thus be evident that as long as the slide is elevated, and is in engagement with the spring 49, an electrical circuit will be established between the binding posts and the electro-magnet, but when the slide moves downwardly, as shown in Fig. 2, said slide disengages' from the spring 49, and immediately breaks the circuit. Any suitable source of electrical energy as 52 is connected by a circuit 53 with the binding post 45, and located in the circuit 53 are suitable circuit closers or controlling devices. Thus a push button 54 is shown, and also a clock or time movement 55, which has an automatic circuit closer. As shown in Fig. 6, this time movement 55 operates a suitable cam 56, which is provided with a notch 57. A lever 58, pivoted on the frame, has a pin 59 that rides upon the cam. This lever is connected to one line of the circuit 53, as indicated in Fig. 6, while a contact .pin 60 disposed in the path of movement of the lever, is connectedv to the other line of the circuit 53. It will thus be evident that the cam is rotated by the time movement and when the notch 57 thereof passes beneath the pin 59, the lever 58 will drop, and engaging the pin 60, will close the circuit. It will be evident that this cam may be adjusted after the manner of an ordinary alarm clock. Moreover, the clock and push button or any suitable controlling means can be located at any point.

desired, and the source of electrical energy may be of any suitable character. For instance, in actual use, the ordinary bell battery of the house has been successfully employed.

While the mechanism may be utilized for operating a large number of different devices, it is shown in the present instance in connection with a heating furnace 61, having a door 62, and a smoke pipe 63 in which is located the usual controlling valve 64. The extension 9 is provided with a bracket 65 and a bell crank 66 pivoted as shown at 67 thereto has a cable or chain connection 68 with the weight 13 of the actuating member. The outward movement of they bell crank is limited by a suitable stop 69. Chains or cables 70 are connected to the different arms of the bell crank 66. One of these chains is adapted to be attached to a rod 71 fastened to the door 62. The damper is provided with exposed angularly d sposed arms 72 and the other chain or cable 70 can be attached to either arm of said bell crank. In this arrangement, the mechanism is used substantially as follows. At night, the fires are suitably banked, and if desired, the door 62 is left open, "and the damper 64 closed. The actuating member is then moved to its set position, whereupon it will'automaticaily lock. trated in Figs. 1 and 3. The clock 55 having been set to permit the circuit closer to be operated at a predetermined time, it w1ll be evident that when said time arrives, the c1r cuit will be closed, whereupon the electromagnet 40 will be energized. Immediately therefore the slide 33 will be released, and the weight of the actuating member Wlll cause the locking device to disengage the latch, because of the ofiset arrangement 0 the shoulder 32 from the pivot 31. The actuating member being therefore released, will drop and the chain 68 is of suflicient length to permit it to gain considerable headway, so that the bell crank 66 is given a into the furnace room. This detached from sudden movement. This causes the door 62 to close and the damper 64 to open. The result is that the fire will burn up and if the device is arranged to be operated in the early morning, thehouse will be heated by the time the occupants arise. The furnace is then fixed for the day, the chain is the arm 71, and thecha'in is engaged with the horizontal arm for the arm that is disposed in alinement with the damper. When therefore it is desired to close the damper 64, it is only necessary to operate the push button 54, whereupon the mechanism will again be actuated, and this time the damper will be closed, without the necessity of the occupant of the house going mechanism has racticable. It can be furnace, being made being so constructed proven to be entirely used with any type 0 in different sizes and that additional weight may be employed on the actuating member if desired. While electrical mechanism is em loyed, because of the holding mechanism or the actuating member, a strong current is not necessary, and as already stated, the ordinary bell battery of the house may be suflicient. In this connection, it is to be'noted that the current is only utilized for an instant, for the circuit is automatically broken by the operation of the device. Moreover in this mechanism, the chains connected to the devices to be operated do not pass over pulleys, but constitute direct connections between the actuating crank and said devices. Thestructure, however, is furthermore not necessarily limited to furnaces, large number of different ways.

From the foregoing, it is thought that the construction, operat1on and many advantages of the herein described invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without further descr'ption, and it will be understood that various changes in the size, shape, proportion and minor details of construction, may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacri ficing any of the advantages of the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is g i 1 In mechanism of the character described, the combination with an actuating member movable from and to a setposition, of an automatically restored locking device for holding it in its set position, a dog movably mounted on the actuating member and engaging the lo'cking device when the member is in set position, said dog being arranged to be engaged by and moved out of the path of the locking device as the member is restored to set position, and means for controlling the movement of the locking device.

2. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with an actuating weight but may be utilized in a I connected to the member movable from and returnableto a set position, of a swinging locking device for holding it in its set position, a dog pivoted ,on the actuating member and engaging the locking device, aspring pressing on the dog to permit the same to yield when passing the locking device upon resetting the member, and means detachably engaging the locking device to prevent its movement.

3. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with an actuating member movable from and to a set position, of a locking device for holding it in its set position, said locking device being moved to an inoperative position by the actuating member on its movement, means for automatically returning the locking device toan operative position after its operation by the actuating member, and means for holding the locking device against movement by the actuating member to hold said member in its set position.

4. In mechanism of the character'described, the combination with an actuating member movable from and returnable to a set position, of a swinging locking gages the member to hold it in its set position, said locking device being swung to an inoperative position by the member on its movement, a spring connected to the locking device for automatically returning it to an operative position after its movement by the actuating member, a latch engages the locking device to hold the same against movement by the actuating member, and means for operating the latch to release the holding device.

5. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a reciprocatory actuating weight member movable from and returnable to a set position, of a dog pivoted on the member, a locking device pivoted alongside the member and comprising a bell crank, one arm of which engages the dog, said locking device being swung by the weight member on its movement, a spring locking device to return it after it has been swung by the actuating member, a latch detachably engaging the other arm of the locking device, and means for controlling the movement of the latch.

6. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with an actuating member movable from and returnable to a set position, of a locking device for holding it in its set position and actuated thereby upon its movement, a pivoted latch that detachably engages the locking device to hold it and thereby the member, and means engaging the latch for preventing its movement, the pivot device that enthat detachably of said latch being located out of line with the points of engagement of the holding means and locking device with the latch, whereby the locking device automatically moves the latchand releases itself from the same when said latch is released from its holding means.

"7. In a mechanism of the class described,

I the combination of a movable actuating member, of a locking device detachably engaging the same and operated thereby, a latch detachably engaging the locking device and having a tendency to gravitate to scribed, the combination with a movable actuating member, of a locking device detachably engaging the same and operated thereby, a-swinging latch that detachably engages the locking device, said latch hav-' ing a lever arm, a reciprocatory slide connected to the arm, an electro-magnet, an armature cooperatmg with the magnet and detachably engaging the slide, and means for energizing the magnet tomove the armature and disengage it from the slide.

9. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a weighted reciprocatory actuating membenhaving a slide rod, of a dog pivoted on the slide rod, a locking device for the actuating member comprising a bell crank, one arm of which engages and is operated by the dog,'a spring for holding the locking device in a predetermined position, a pivoted latch having a shoulder-that detachably engages the other arm of the locking device, a reciprocatory slide engaged with the latch and having a shoulder, an electro-magnet, a swinging arm having a shoulder that detachably engages the shoulder of the slide, means for energizing the elcctro-magnet including a, circuit, and means for breaking said circuit when the electro-magnet is operated.

10. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with an actuating member, of a locking device for holding the member against movement, a latch for-the locking device movable into and out of engagement therewith, and means operated by the actuating member for moving the latch into engagement with the locking device.

11. In mecha ism of the character described, the comlgination with an actuating member, of a s inging locking devicefor holding the member against movement, a

pivoted latch for the locking device movable into and out of engagement therewith, and a swinging arm operated by the actuating member and connected to the latch for moving the latch into engagement with the lockcrank,

locking device ing device when the actuating member is moved to a predetermined position.

12. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with an actuating member comprising a weighted slide rod movable from and returnable to a set position, of a swinging locking device for holding it in its set position, said device being moved by the actuating member on its movement from the said set position, a swinging latch movable into and out of engagement with the locking device for preventing its .movement, electrically operated means controlling the movement of the latch, a shoulder carried by the slide rod, and a swinging arm operated by the shoulder upon the movement of the actuating device to its set position, said arm being connected to the latch and moving the same into engagement with the locking device.

13. In mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with an actuating set position, of a swinging locking device engaging and operated by the actuatmg member on the locking device for preventing its movement by the actuating member, and means for moving the latch to disengage it fromthe locking device and permit the movement of the latter by the actuating member.

14. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a reciprocatory weighted actuating member, of a bell a cable connection between the bell crank and member, a device to be operated having angularly disposed arms, and means for connecting tg bell crank to either of said arms. Q

' 15. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of an actuating member, a for releasably holding the same in set position and constructed to be automatically restored upon the re-settmg of the member, electrical operating means including a circuit, a member controlled by the electrical means and arranged torelease the locking device, and a spring included In the said circuit and normally engaging the element and adapted to be disengaged therefrom after the locking device is released for opening the circuit.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto aflixed my signa- *ture in the presence of two wltnesses.

' FRANK J. WOLF. [1 3. Witnesses GEORGE M. SCHINZEL, PAULINE E. WITTE.

*member movable from and returnable to a the movement of the latter from itsset position, a latch detachably engaging 

